We’re long time fans and supporters of Laphroaig. Bottles of Quarter Cask and Ten Year Old, Cask Strength are staples in our personal collections. Laphroaig Lore is a new release from the Islay distillery. Comprised of a range of ages (the oldest spirit in the bottle was distilled in 1993) and a range of casks (first fill and refill bourbon, first fill sherry, virgin European oak, and first fill and refill quarter casks) this Non Age Statement release is bottled at 48% alc. Distillery manager, John Campbell, describes it as “the richest of the rich.” Suggested retail price is $125.
Let’s press on:
Color – Bright gold
On the nose – Fresh and coastal with sea shells and new Chuck Taylor high tops (a bit of warm rubber and a bit of warm canvas), pleasantly herbal with a discernible mintiness.
Flavors on the mouth – Oily and mouthcoating with diesel rags and sage to begin then becoming ashy and dry before it releases a fruitiness through the middle.
Finish – Long, ashy, and drying with oak, salt, and peat lingering for a good long while
Overall – What a journey! A quick fly by with a 1/4 oz pour won’t be enough for this whisky to really dazzle at the Jewbilee. Despite having more tables to visit and more whiskies to taste I recommend finding a quiet corner and really taking some time to explore everything this beautiful Laphroaig has to offer.
Be sure to look for Laphroaig Lore on the penthouse floor at Studio450.